Broncos' draft focus on 3 offensive tackles

[Peerless]

Broncos' draft focus on 3 offensive tackles
Left-siders Clady, Albert, Williams coveted
By Mike Klis
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 04/25/2008 03:23:30 AM MDT

There is air to breathe, food to eat, water to drink and a left tackle to protect a quarterback's blind side.

Whether its mankind or football with a twist, the essentials to survival never vary.

The Broncos leave most of life's basics to geologists, environmentalists and agriculturists. But only the Broncos can fortify the protection for quarterback Jay Cutler.

With the 2008 NFL draft to be held Saturday and Sunday, all signs point to the Broncos taking a left tackle in the first round.

There is even a chance the draft board will fall in a manner that would give the Broncos their choice of three tackles they covet — Ryan Clady, Chris Williams and Branden Albert — by the time they make the No. 12 pick.

The
question is not whether they can get a quality tackle, the question is whether they get one they feel is worthy of the No. 12 selection and pay scale," said Jeffrey Foster, president of NFL Scouting Inc., which serves 20 teams, including the Broncos. "There will be a tackle there that they like, but is he worth 12th-pick money? Those are questions that head coaches and salary cap guys and personnel guys start debating."

What the Broncos won't do is trade up for Sedrick Ellis or down for Kentwan Balmer, defensive tackles projected for the first round. The position is no longer a top priority after the Broncos acquired defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson from the New York Jets on Thursday in exchange for a 2009 conditional draft pick.

The condition is playing time. If Robertson can't play a down in 2008 because of his balky knee, the Broncos would give nothing to the Jets. If Robertson plays in every game as he has in four of his five seasons with the Jets, the Broncos would surrender a mid- to late-round pick.

Even before they nabbed Robertson, the Broncos had been focusing on offensive players with their first pick. They had long discussed Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart, but need has shifted the Broncos' attention to left tackle.

In Travis Henry and Selvin Young, the Broncos have two established running backs. In Matt Lepsis and Ryan Harris, the Broncos have one left tackle who just retired and another whose NFL experience is essentially 11 games of special-teams play.

While the Broncos remain high on Harris — a third-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2007, he may start at right tackle if a left tackle is taken in the first round — they would like one more young blocker to grow with Cutler, tight end Tony Scheffler and receiver Brandon Marshall, all of whom just finished their second NFL seasons.

For most of their draft preparation, the Broncos planned on Clady of Boise State getting selected well before their No. 12 pick. The athletic Albert, projected as a left tackle after playing guard at Virginia, also was rising to the top 10 by some draft followers.

And they still might go in the top 10, although the blockbuster trade that sent Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen to the Minnesota Vikings this week may shake up the draft's order.

The Chiefs had been targeting a left tackle with their No. 5 pick. If they now decide to replace Allen by using that pick on a pass-rushing end, there's a chance either Clady or Albert, or both, will remain on the board by the time the Broncos pick at No. 12.

And if Clady, Albert and Williams all are available, the Broncos will likely try to trade down a few spots knowing one of them would be around later.

"If you're in the top 15, you better really be confident in the guy," Foster said. "Because it will cost you not only in money for the next four or five years, but if he doesn't pan out, everybody's looking at each other."

Last year's No. 12 pick, Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch, received a $10.285 million guarantee, while the Broncos gave $8 million to No. 17 pick Jarvis Moss. Guaranteed money generally increases 10 percent. Do the Broncos believe Williams is worth the same $11 million guarantee they gave Cutler two years ago?

Williams was a Vanderbilt sophomore playing left guard and left tackle when Cutler was his senior quarterback. Part of Williams' visit with the Broncos this month was dinner with Cutler.

Between the food and atmosphere, left tackle and quarterback, so many essentials to the Broncos' survival were there.

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost.com

Draft facts

When: Saturday-Sunday

Rounds 1-2, Saturday starting at 1 p.m. Rounds 3-7, Sunday at 8 a.m. TV: ESPN and NFL Network

The Broncos: Currently have nine picks. Their first pick, at No. 12, should happen around 2 p.m. Their other picks: No. 42 (second round), No. 108 (4th), No. 119 (4th), No. 139 (5th), No. 148 (5th), No. 183 (6th), No. 220 (7th), No. 227 (7th)

Possible picks at No. 12

A look at five players the Broncos may take with their first-round pick, currently slotted at No. 12:

LT Ryan Clady

6-feet-6, 309 pounds, Boise State

A torn pectoral muscle prevented the former Dan Hawkins recruit from working out at the combine. He apparently didn't study for the Wonderlic, either, as he scored a 13. Left tackle is more about brawn than brains, though, and Clady's 33-inch arms, large hands and agility have him ranked by most, if not all, draftniks as the best left tackle after Jake Long. Bears coach Lovie Smith traveled to Boise to personally work out Clady in March.

OT/OG Branden Albert

6-6, 309, Virginia

Not only large, but a former standout prep hoops player who didn't play football until his junior year in high school. It's this type of athleticism that has scouts believing his ceiling is higher than others'. The drawback is he played guard, not tackle, in college, even after D'Bric- kashaw Ferguson left. His arms are a half-inch longer than Clady's, but his hands are a half-inch smaller. He and Clady both bypassed their senior seasons for the draft.

LT Chris Williams

6-6, 315, Vanderbilt

The only senior on this list. Made QB Jay Cutler and his school proud by scoring a 32 on his Wonderlic. As a sophomore, Williams played left guard and left tackle while protecting the senior Cutler. A full-time left tackle his last two years, he is more finesse than power, which is good for Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

RB Jonathan Stewart

5-10, 235, Oregon

Large and powerful, plus Stewart ran his 40 in 4.46 seconds at the combine. His size and speed add up to a potential freak. He may have been the Broncos' clear choice had he not undergone toe surgery after the combine, which means he won't be conditioned for full-time NFL pounding until halfway through the season. Still, a possibility if the Broncos trade down and the left tackles they want are all taken.

S Kenny Phillips

6-2, 212, Miami

First-team All-American as a junior. Has the size and aggression to hit and enough speed to make plays all over the field. Comparable to former Miami safeties Sean Taylor and Ed Reed but may not share their ballhawking skills. The Broncos are not likely to take Phillips at No. 12, but he would be an option if they move back to the 20s.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_9046595

[LarryDean]

Thanks for the read B4Bronco6.

I cant add much here other then I heard Mark Schlereth say last night about Branden Albert He is a GUARD in his IMO...

Denver is set at guard IMO...

[italynstallion]

Thanks for the read.

Personally, I'm high on Clady. I think he's the best LT prospect in the draft. I hope for his/the dolphins' sake im wrong, but I think Long is going to have to switch to guard. I see Long as a great run-blocking guy with below average pass-blocking abilities. Like I said, this is just my opinion and I hope im wrong.

On to Clady. I really like him. I'm glad that several things (wonderlic) have caused his stock to fall. If he's there at 12 we have to jump on him. He could be a monster for us.

Williams is probably Cutler's pick, and I hope this has no influence on Shanny b/c I dont like williams' upside. He doesnt have that mean streak that i love in O-linemen.

Brandon Albert would be interesting because selecting him would show a trend away from our usual small fast linemen. I wouldnt mind him and actually have him as my 3rd best Olineman in the draft (behind clady and long)

Here's hoping we get Clady!!

[Peerless]

Thanks for the read.

Personally, I'm high on Clady. I think he's the best LT prospect in the draft. I hope for his/the dolphins' sake im wrong, but I think Long is going to have to switch to guard. I see Long as a great run-blocking guy with below average pass-blocking abilities. Like I said, this is just my opinion and I hope im wrong.

On to Clady. I really like him. I'm glad that several things (wonderlic) have caused his stock to fall. If he's there at 12 we have to jump on him. He could be a monster for us.

Williams is probably Cutler's pick, and I hope this has no influence on Shanny b/c I dont like williams' upside. He doesnt have that mean streak that i love in O-linemen.

Brandon Albert would be interesting because selecting him would show a trend away from our usual small fast linemen. I wouldnt mind him and actually have him as my 3rd best Olineman in the draft (behind clady and long)

Here's hoping we get Clady!!
Good input.

I really think that if the players are there, the Broncos will decide between Clady or Williams

I would also choose Clady over Williams.. just because I think overall he can protect the quarterback better then Williams. Williams would be wonderful for our zone blocking scheme, but I really think Denver needs to find guys that will actually give Cutler some time to throw and make plays.

If it means drafting a player whose not as good in the zone blocking (and who can learn it), I'm all for it.

[Sequence]

y'all startin to sound like a broken record here with all this silly "no mean streak" talk re CW. technique, finesse, power, and field smarts all trump meaness. Give me a break. :rolleyes:

[pzmire]

Think about it people - Just ask yourself, when was the last time so much info was available about the Broncos draft plans??????? The Broncos hold their cards VERY Close To Vest. The only reason so many people had us picking Moss last year was due to the fact that the Bronocs had a new DC who REQUIRED Certain Players/Body Types

IMHO this is a smoke screen - The Broncos will draft BPA - They will not draft an OT if they have same rating with DE/CB. This draft has very good depth for Bronco type OL but is very limited at DE and premiere CB's

They want teams to believe they will draft an OT - Might motivate teams to draft OT ahead of us and leave they player(s) we have rated higher. that said, I still think they trade down - Maybe to Detroit or lower

[CMack]

I think trading down would not be a good idea. We need to sure p the Left side of the line. With that being said I would be more than happy with Clady or Williams.

[getlynched47]

Where's Mendenhall on this list, he's a better back than Jonathan Stewart. He's faster, more agile to make cuts, didn't run in a spread system like Jonathan Stewart, and has low milage, no injury problems.

Right now, I think the Broncos has narrowed it down to Clady, Williams, or Mendenhall at #12. Personally, I'd take out Clady and just focus on Williams or Mendenhall

[pzmire]

I think trading down would not be a good idea. We need to sure p the Left side of the line. With that being said I would be more than happy with Clady or Williams.

We still can do that in rounds 4-7. No matter who we get, it will take 1-2 years before they mesh with the other OL and are ready to play

[BroncFanIN]

In all of these choices, all the guys are 300+ pounds. Isnt that too heavy for the Broncos O-line? :goofy:

Seriously, in getting either Clady or Williams..how much of an impact will these 2 players have this year, and do we have the pieces needed if the impact is low (or none) to increase the # of wins this season and make the playoffs?

Denver has indicated they want to build through the draft. Is a RB the way to go, or build the trenches?

My heart tells me the sexy pick of Stewart would be great for this team.

My brain tells me that protecting Cutler is also paramount...but we have 9 picks. There's no one else lower that can protect Cutler? :confused: Shanny has tradionally picked both RB and linemen in later rounds...
Is this the year that changes?

I'm SO glad the draft is tomorrow!

[getlynched47]

In all of these choices, all the guys are 300+ pounds. Isnt that too heavy for the Broncos O-line? :goofy:

Seriously, in getting either Clady or Williams..how much of an impact will these 2 players have this year, and do we have the pieces needed if the impact is low (or none) to increase the # of wins this season and make the playoffs?

Denver has indicated they want to build through the draft. Is a RB the way to go, or build the trenches?

My heart tells me the sexy pick of Stewart would be great for this team.

My brain tells me that protecting Cutler is also paramount...but we have 9 picks. There's no one else lower that can protect Cutler? :confused: Shanny has tradionally picked both RB and linemen in later rounds...
Is this the year that changes?

I'm SO glad the draft is tomorrow!

Stewart is just another injury prone back to put in our backfield with 3 others. Mendenhall has less milage, less wear and tear, and has the cutback ability we need. Stewart doesnt. Doesn't anybody take into account that Stewart ran in a spread offense that was in the Shotgun the majority of the time? Mendenhall is the best in between the tackles runner and could break it to the edge if he needs to. I'll repeat it again, the Broncos are thinking Chris Williams or Rashard Mendenhall

[BroncFanIN]

Stewart is just another injury prone back to put in our backfield with 3 others. Mendenhall has less milage, less wear and tear, and has the cutback ability we need. Stewart doesnt. Doesn't anybody take into account that Stewart ran in a spread offense that was in the Shotgun the majority of the time? Mendenhall is the best in between the tackles runner and could break it to the edge if he needs to. I'll repeat it again, the Broncos are thinking Chris Williams or Rashard Mendenhall

Mendenhall would be fine with me, too. And I know Williams played with Cutler. I wouldnt be upset if Denver got either one of these players.

Besides the toe, how much as Stewart been injured in his college career? I dont follow these things really closely...but I do get caught up in the draft fever, and try and pay attention the week before the draft...:smug:

[getlynched47]

Mendenhall would be fine with me, too. And I know Williams played with Cutler. I wouldnt be upset if Denver got either one of these players.

Besides the toe, how much as Stewart been injured in his college career? I dont follow these things really closely...but I do get caught up in the draft fever, and try and pay attention the week before the draft...:smug:

yeah Stewart has some injury history he's a risk:

Injury Report
2002: Suffered a left ankle fracture as a sophomore in high school.



2005: Sprained his left ankle vs. Montana (9/10), sitting out the next two games vs. Fresno State and Southern California.



2006: Suffered a high left ankle sprain in the season opener vs. Stanford (9/02) and missed practices leading up to the Fresno State clash (9/09), which he saw limited action in, as he was forced to wear a protective boot on his leg...Re-injured his ankle and left the UCLA clash (10/14)...Suffered a rib cartilage contusion, missing most of the Portland State game (10/28)...Left the Arizona contest (11/18) with a neck strain.

2008: Toe Surgery

[VABronco37]

Stewart is just another injury prone back to put in our backfield with 3 others.

See I think Mendenhall will have a career like Kijana Carter, I don't know why but I got that gut feeling about him.
Plus I really think the kid is just a one season wonder.
As for Stewart, the man is a WORKHORSE and VERY VERY fitting for this offensive system.
So the safe choice out of the running backs IS Stewart.

As for the O-Line, you guys need to really stop looking @ Williams and Clady, Albert is the man to get.
SOOOOOOOO much upside and there is no downside for him because he is also a great guard.
With Clady decent but too big for our Offense and Williams would do good but not equal to what Albert can do.

[getlynched47]

See I think Mendenhall will have a career like Kijana Carter, I don't know why but I got that gut feeling about him.
Plus I really think the kid is just a one season wonder.
As for Stewart, the man is a WORKHORSE and VERY VERY fitting for this offensive system.
So the safe choice out of the running backs IS Stewart.

As for the O-Line, you guys need to really stop looking @ Williams and Clady, Albert is the man to get.
SOOOOOOOO much upside and there is no downside for him because he is also a great guard.
With Clady decent but too big for our Offense and Williams would do good but not equal to what Albert can do.

you obviously don't know your football. WE DON'T NEED A GUARD, WE NEED A TACKLE!! GM's are HOPING Albert can play OT but it's a risk, I don't wanna see Cutler eating dirt every play because a guard is blocking his blindside against extremely fast and strong NFL defensive ends. That'll stunt his NFL growth and wont let him flourish this year. Williams is the pick unless Shanny goes with a RB (Mendenhall, Stewart). Screw Albert he's too much of a risk. Besides he's comparible to George Foster (a mauler who doesn't have great speed but destroys defenders in the open field) and we know how Foster worked out in Denver!:eek:

[VABronco37]

I think your wrong about Albert man, I really think you are.
Albert will transfer very well to Tackle, might take him half the season but I'll go on a limb and say by his second maybe third year in the league he will go to the pro bowl as a Tackle with the team that picks him up.
As for Williams, I see him switching back and forth with Ryan Harris who is a second year developing player aswell.

[getlynched47]

I think your wrong about Albert man, I really think you are.
Albert will transfer very well to Tackle, might take him half the season but I'll go on a limb and say by his second maybe third year in the league he will go to the pro bowl as a Tackle with the team that picks him up.
As for Williams, I see him switching back and forth with Ryan Harris who is a second year developing player aswell.

whatever!? I told you arguing is pointless with you

[Dream]

I actually read the other day that Christopher Williams is sliding down a lot of boards because teams think he might need back surgery (like Ryan Harris) and are concerned about his very short arms and how that'll translate to his ability to block in the NFL. From what I hear, Williams is the back-up plan to Clady and Albert, but we'll see.

[underrated29]

You are crazy lynched.

1. Mendenhall also played in a spread offense, did he not?

2. We dont need a LT, we have 3. kuper,harris,pears. We need a RT!

3. Take it for what its worth, smoke screen or not, shanny said harris is better than clady.

4. Stewart has equal good vision, and cutback. Mendenhall is not strong between the tackles, and would much rather take it outside off the LT.

5. Stewarts injuries made him miss how much time? 4 games? get real man. He is no one year wonder, he is proven and has proven that he will play, and play every bit as good as any other rb when he is hurt.

I am not going to get into a stew vs mend arguement here, but you got to point out all the facts.

6. Albert is imo the SAFEST pick of the OL, If he cannot make it at LT he can move to RT,G,C- This man can do it all. He is my #1 OL, followd by williams and then clady the dumb****.

[Orange Cru$h]

Doesn't anybody take into account that Stewart ran in a spread offense that was in the Shotgun the majority of the time? Mendenhall is the best in between the tackles runner and could break it to the edge if he needs to.

Didn't Illinois run a spread offense with Juice Williams. When I watched them play the Buckeyes and the Trojans it was nothing but a bunch of short screens.

[getlynched47]

You are crazy lynched.

1. Mendenhall also played in a spread offense, did he not?

2. We dont need a LT, we have 3. kuper,harris,pears. We need a RT!

3. Take it for what its worth, smoke screen or not, shanny said harris is better than clady.

4. Stewart has equal good vision, and cutback. Mendenhall is not strong between the tackles, and would much rather take it outside off the LT.

5. Stewarts injuries made him miss how much time? 4 games? get real man. He is no one year wonder, he is proven and has proven that he will play, and play every bit as good as any other rb when he is hurt.

I am not going to get into a stew vs mend arguement here, but you got to point out all the facts.

6. Albert is imo the SAFEST pick of the OL, If he cannot make it at LT he can move to RT,G,C- This man can do it all. He is my #1 OL, followd by williams and then clady the dumb****.

I'm crazy! I'm tired of talking to stupid people who don't know anything about NFL football or college football! I have all my facts straight besides the spread offense with Mendenhall. He did play in a spread offense but DID NOT take it to the outside all the time. You know nothing. Kuper is a guard, not a tackle. Pears is a RT because he lacks the ideal speed and Harris hasn't proven he could start because of his injury problems and short arms. If I could I'd stick my hand through my monitor and smack all you "football know-it-alls" who know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and claim they know...maybe that'll give you a reality check sir!!

Albert WILL NOT be a Denver Bronco!! mark my words he's NOT a pure LT, the only two pure left tackles we'll look at is Chris Williams and Ryan Clady. Maybe Clady being stupid won't be a problem with Shanny, but I can sure as hell assure you that we WONT take Albert

[getlynched47]

Didn't Illinois run a spread offense with Juice Williams. When I watched them play the Buckeyes and the Trojans it was nothing but a bunch of short screens.

YES Cutler-6 are you satisfied that you proved me wrong?

[HORSEPOWER 56]

I'm not against drafting a RB this year, with the amount of talent, we'd be foolish not to, but for all the guys saying we should draft a RB in round 1 and pick up an OT later, think about the depth of talent in this draft at both positions.

RB: McFadden, Mendenhall, Stewart, F. Jones, K. Smith, C. Johnson, Forte, Choice, Hart, Slayton, Charles, Rice, just to name a select few. There are plenty more after this, too.

OT: Long (already gone), Clady, Williams, Albert (can he play tackle?), Otah, Baker, Hills, and a few other guys who are prospects at best but by no means elite. I figure that KC will be drafting an OT with one of their first rounders and there are several other teams in the hunt for one, also. we are in great position to get one ahead of several other teams in the market for one.

Seeing as how the top 4-5 guys on each list will go 1st round, doesn't it make sense to grab an elite OT when there is so much more talent and possibility to grab a great value later at RB? The difference between guys like Mendenhall and Stewart and guys like Johnson, Smith, Choice, and Rice is negligible - look at college production and forget Mike Mayock for a second.

To me, it just makes more sense to grab an elite tackle in the 1st and pick up a RB that was very good in college that could easily become elite in our system. Funny that before all the juniors declared, there was talk of guys like Mike Hart and Tashard Choice being potential 1st round picks. Just because the juniors have declared doesn't mean Hart, Rice, Choice, Slayton, or Smith suddenly suck all of a sudden. All it means is, we can now pay 3rd-4th round prices for 1st round talent.

[getlynched47]

I'm not against drafting a RB this year, with the amount of talent, we'd be foolish not to, but for all the guys saying we should draft a RB in round 1 and pick up an OT later, think about the depth of talent in this draft at both positions.

RB: McFadden, Mendenhall, Stewart, F. Jones, K. Smith, C. Johnson, Forte, Choice, Hart, Slayton, Charles, Rice, just to name a select few. There are plenty more after this, too.

OT: Long (already gone), Clady, Williams, Albert (can he play tackle?), Otah, Baker, Hills, and a few other guys who are prospects at best but by no means elite. I figure that KC will be drafting an OT with one of their first rounders and there are several other teams in the hunt for one, also. we are in great position to get one ahead of several other teams in the market for one.

Seeing as how the top 4-5 guys on each list will go 1st round, doesn't it make sense to grab an elite OT when there is so much more talent and possibility to grab a great value later at RB? The difference between guys like Mendenhall and Stewart and guys like Johnson, Smith, Choice, and Rice is negligible - look at college production and forget Mike Mayock for a second.

To me, it just makes more sense to grab an elite tackle in the 1st and pick up a RB that was very good in college that could easily become elite in our system. Funny that before all the juniors declared, there was talk of guys like Mike Hart and Tashard Choice being potential 1st round picks. Just because the juniors have declared doesn't mean Hart, Rice, Choice, Slayton, or Smith suddenly suck all of a sudden. All it means is, we can now pay 3rd-4th round prices for 1st round talent.

that's very true...I don't support a 1st round RB, I want Chris Williams... I'd be fine with one of these guys (Choice,Smith,Rice) I just know for a fact that for some undisclaimed reason the Broncos are looking at RB in the 1st round

[underrated29]

I'm crazy! I'm tired of talking to stupid people who don't know anything about NFL football or college football! I have all my facts straight besides the spread offense with Mendenhall. He did play in a spread offense but DID NOT take it to the outside all the time. You know nothing. Kuper is a guard, not a tackle. Pears is a RT because he lacks the ideal speed and Harris hasn't proven he could start because of his injury problems and short arms. If I could I'd stick my hand through my monitor and smack all you "football know-it-alls" who know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and claim they know...maybe that'll give you a reality check sir!!

Albert WILL NOT be a Denver Bronco!! mark my words he's NOT a pure LT, the only two pure left tackles we'll look at is Chris Williams and Ryan Clady. Maybe Clady being stupid won't be a problem with Shanny, but I can sure as hell assure you that we WONT take Albert


HAve you ever watched his games. Seriously? Because you obviously have only seen his selected highlights.
rashard, would always run off tackle. Yes he would take it up the middle when it was there, however if there was someone within a few yards it was to the OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!



I never said Kuper was a LT, I never said Pears is a LT. I said that they can play LT. IF you had common football knoweldge you would no this too.

Wait let me guess you are going to say we play in a spread offense too right, and thats what you meant, and thats why your facts are straight. Straight as elton john.

Also i didnt say that albert would be a bronco. I said he is my NUmber 1 OL. I personally think it will be williams who would be our selection, if not stewart. I dont think we take albert even if he was there, which i also dont think will happen.

[RealBronco]

[QUOTE=underrated29;2179476] HAve you ever watched his games. Seriously? Because you obviously have only seen his selected highlights.

rashard, would always run off tackle. Yes he would take it up the middle when it was there, however if there was someone within a few yards it was to the OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would also take up reading before you start calling people names. I never said Kuper was a LT, I never said Pears is a LT. I said that they can play LT. IF you had common football knoweldge you would no this too.

Wait let me guess you are going to say we play in a spread offense too right, and thats what you meant, and thats why your facts are straight. Straight as elton john.

Also i didnt say that albert would be a bronco. I said he is my NUmber 1 OL. I personally think it will be williams who would be our selection, if not stewart. I dont think we take albert even if he was there, which i also dont think will happen.

QUOTE]

? you people and being stuck on this ridiculous test....

:rolleyes:

the bottom line is, we need to focus on OT in the first. we don't need mendenhall or stewart....if we even draft a RB (which we probably will because it is a need, just not that pressing) it should and must be in later rounds after our more pressing needs are met.

[BroncFanIN]

Hey guys,
I know this is a passionate topic...but enough with the name calling and personal attacks.
Stick to the topic at hand and please refrain from calling each other names and demeaning each other.

We are all Broncos fans here, and passionate about the game and the draft.

Thanks! :salute:

[91bronco]

Wowsers! This thread is getting a little heated.


Anyway.... Stewart on Mendenhall both played in spread offenses which should be of consideration for both. I'm not as high on Mendenhall as others because he only really broke out for one year.

Also, without drafting another tackle Kuper and Harris are supposed to compete for the left tackle position. If I'm not mistaken, Kuper did play some tackle last year as well even though he is listed as a guard. Another FYI- Pears is on the last year of his deal.

It is for the above aformentioned reasons I prefer a LT in round 1. Lets get some competition at LT and the runner up can also compete at RT. There is more uncertainty with that position than at RB right now. If we have some injuries on the line like last year we'll be in some trouble.

[underrated29]

Hey guys,
I know this is a passionate topic...but enough with the name calling and personal attacks.
Stick to the topic at hand and please refrain from calling each other names and demeaning each other.

We are all Broncos fans here, and passionate about the game and the draft.

Thanks! :salute:




I am ashamed :ugh:

[Orange Cru$h]

YES Cutler-6 are you satisfied that you proved me wrong?
Slow down buddy and take a pill. We are all trying to just talk about who is best for the team. I do listen to some of your facts just like anyone else but when you fire back saying you know everything and everyone else is stupid is way out of line. I was asking you a simple question because I did not know. CHILL!

[RealBronco]

i suppose calling someon Ryan Leaf is a pretty bad insult...heh.

one thought on this whole Albert topic:

sure it could be a risk to try and convert a player to another position, but this happens quite frequently and if a guy can successfully convert, then he an be a double threat.

Green Bay drafted Korey Hall last year and converted him in a HUGE way.

He went from being a top MLB to a fullback! That's quite a huge jump!

I'm not saying we should head right out and nab Albert (I don't know too much about him) but if it comes down to it, converting a player isn't that big of a deal.

sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. poor D.J. will finally be able to find his niche again now that he's not going to be moving around defensive positions anymore.

[Jermz79]

Maybe we should just take Earl Bennett with our 1st pick .... that will solve the whole ..

we need a RB no we need a OT no we need a RB no we need a OT argument!


:D of course I'm only kidding!! I want Medenhall!!!!! :rockon:

[LordTrychon]

This thread is closed for the time being until we can all post like good members of a message board.


:salute:

[LordTrychon]

Ok... you get one more shot guys... please keep the name calling and insulting to a minimum.

[fraguela09]

This is what Shanny said today:

""You can always have more depth, especially when a guy like Matt Lepsis who retires," Shanahan said about his starting tackle the previous nine seasons. "But the question you're talking about is do you value some guy in the second round that's pretty close to the first round? So can you go in another direction in the first round? Those are questions I think every team asks themselves. It's kind of nice to have the 42nd pick, though, instead of the 60th pick. There's a lot of athletes that go in that second round, especially early."


SOunds like he's saying there's a RB they like in the 2nd, who they feel is just as good as a 1st round RB, more so than a second round OT.

I think Clady and Rice is more attractive to Shanny than Stewart and Nicks?

[bjoli198]

i suppose calling someon Ryan Leaf is a pretty bad insult...heh.

one thought on this whole Albert topic:

sure it could be a risk to try and convert a player to another position, but this happens quite frequently and if a guy can successfully convert, then he an be a double threat.

Green Bay drafted Korey Hall last year and converted him in a HUGE way.

He went from being a top MLB to a fullback! That's quite a huge jump!

I'm not saying we should head right out and nab Albert (I don't know too much about him) but if it comes down to it, converting a player isn't that big of a deal.

sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. poor D.J. will finally be able to find his niche again now that he's not going to be moving around defensive positions anymore.

Funny that you mentioned it... DJ played FB as a freshman ;)

[underrated29]

And i believe in HS Dj was a RB. I think. Not too sure on that one.

Maybe it was just the FB.

[getlynched47]

And i believe in HS Dj was a RB. I think. Not too sure on that one.

Maybe it was just the FB.

yeah boss;) ur right DJ was a RB in High School, they played him at FB a little his Freshman year at Miami and ultimately he became the Will Linebacker

[kona bronco]

Three OT maybe! Three OL I'd say is more like it!

I see Brandon Alberts in the 1st. Maybe Zuttah in the fourth and Steve justice in the fifth ....hopefully....

[getlynched47]

Not gonna happen...Branden Albert shouldn't even be in these discussions. He's an overrated prospect that's gonna loose his mind once he figures out he cant trample NFL defensive players as easily as he did it in college. No Branden Albert. If it's an OT they're gonna take, I'm pretty sure the conversation is between Chris Williams or Ryan Clady

[MindField]

I'm crazy! I'm tired of talking to stupid people who don't know anything about NFL football or college football! I have all my facts straight besides the spread offense with Mendenhall. He did play in a spread offense but DID NOT take it to the outside all the time. You know nothing. Kuper is a guard, not a tackle. Pears is a RT because he lacks the ideal speed and Harris hasn't proven he could start because of his injury problems and short arms. If I could I'd stick my hand through my monitor and smack all you "football know-it-alls" who know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and claim they know...maybe that'll give you a reality check sir!!

Albert WILL NOT be a Denver Bronco!! mark my words he's NOT a pure LT, the only two pure left tackles we'll look at is Chris Williams and Ryan Clady. Maybe Clady being stupid won't be a problem with Shanny, but I can sure as hell assure you that we WONT take Albert

We probably won't take Albert, but only because he likely will not be available....but YOU don't know what you are talking about, because Albert WILL be an OLT in the NFL, and a good one....certainly better than that S for brains Ryan Clady. Some of you just read a guy can't do this or that, and you believe it...but what do you really know about Albert or his ability? He certainly comes better coached and better prepared for the NFL than either Clady or Williams, and has comparable athletic ability.

You proabably would have never guessed that Lepsis could have been converted from TE to LT either...

[Max Power]

This is what Shanny said today:

""You can always have more depth, especially when a guy like Matt Lepsis who retires," Shanahan said about his starting tackle the previous nine seasons. "But the question you're talking about is do you value some guy in the second round that's pretty close to the first round? So can you go in another direction in the first round? Those are questions I think every team asks themselves. It's kind of nice to have the 42nd pick, though, instead of the 60th pick. There's a lot of athletes that go in that second round, especially early."


SOunds like he's saying there's a RB they like in the 2nd, who they feel is just as good as a 1st round RB, more so than a second round OT.

I think Clady and Rice is more attractive to Shanny than Stewart and Nicks?

Possibly. Though I prefer Jamaal Charles to Ray Rice.

[Sequence]

y'all startin to sound like a broken record here with all this silly "no mean streak" talk re CW. technique, finesse, power, and field smarts all trump meaness. Give me a break. :rolleyes:

Whoever sent me the nasty and anonymous cp regarding my post here, well, at least I have the courage to express my opinon. That's a lot more than I can say about you, pal. Grow up. :rolleyes: